Chelsea could have up to 12 players absent due to injury for the Premier League match against Aston Villa. Mauricio Pochettino was without Cole Palmer for the damaging defeat to Arsenal earlier this week but he looks set to return, but that has come at a double blow.
Chelsea’s 2023/24 season has been plagued by numerous injury problems, with the likes of Christopher Nkunku, Romeo Lavia and Reece James missing the majority of the season. Nagging problems have also meant that Malo Gusto, Carney Chukwuemeka and Robert Sanchez, among others, were absent from the trio again.
In addition to Chukwuemeka being a new addition to the Blues’ growing list of absentees, Raheem Sterling has also picked up a new injury. Given Chelsea’s significant injury problems, Pochettino will likely be forced to appoint a new youth bench with a replacement for Enzo Fernandez needed in this weekend’s matchday squad.
That being said, football.london has rounded up the latest Chelsea injury news and possible return dates ahead of the visit to Aston Villa.
Raheem Sterling
Sterling was added to Chelsea’s injury report on Friday, just over 24 hours before the Premier League match against Aston Villa.
What Pochettino said: “Sterling had pain in his lower back.”
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Injury: Back
Possible return date: Unknown
Cole Palmer
On Thursday afternoon, Palmer posed for a photo with a passing Chelsea supporter @ChelseaFanTVyt at X, in Cobham. The 21-year-old midfielder was dressed in his training gear and looked like he had just been put through his paces.
Injury: Disease.
What Pochettino said: “Cole has trained well in recent days. We expect him to be ready for tomorrow and be part of the team.”
Possible return date: Aston Villa (A) – Saturday April 27.
Carney Chukwuemeka
Chukwuemeka continued to see his debut season at Chelsea plagued by injuries, with an earlier problem reoccurring when he was re-added to the injury report.
What Pochettino said: “Carney feels something in his knee. Related to his problem earlier. Hopefully it’s not a big problem and they can be available as soon as possible, because now we’re going to lose two players who were there and who we think can help the team.”
Injury: Knee
Possible return date: Unknown.
Enzo Fernandez
Enzo Fernandez will miss the rest of the season after undergoing groin surgery. The Argentine was forced off against Everton during the 6-0 win for the Blues, but was forced to go under the knife to resolve the problem.
In a statement on Thursday, the club wrote: “Enzo Fernandez today underwent successful surgery for a groin problem and will now begin a period of rehabilitation, which will see him sidelined for the remainder of Chelsea’s 2023/2024 season.
“The 23-year-old midfielder will work with the club’s medical department on his rehabilitation at Cobham.”
What Pochettino said: “Right now he feels the pain and he feels the limitations because of the problem. The most important thing is to solve the problem for him. If he doesn’t feel good, he can’t perform because of the situation, it’s not good for him , the team or the club.”
Injury: Lies
Possible return date: Next season.
Levi Colwill
Colwill has been struggling with a toe injury, which has forced him to miss a number of big games for Chelsea. The 21-year-old defender has been ruled out of action for some time, but recently returned to partial first-team training.
Injury: Teen.
What Pochettino said: “No they [James and Colwill] are not yet available. They are close. Today and yesterday they partly trained with the team. They are close, but still not available.”
Possible return date: May 2024
Malo Gusto
Gusto was absent from the matchday squad against Arsenal after suffering a knock against Manchester City. The France international is back on Chelsea’s injury report and is expected to be absent against Aston Villa.
Injury: Knee.
What Pochettino said: “Malo had a little problem in his knee ligaments. I’m not a doctor, but you asked me and I respect trying to translate what’s going on. I hope it’s not a big problem.”
Possible return date: Unknown.
Ben Chillwell
Chilwell was absent from the matchday squad against Arsenal, despite not playing on the bench against Manchester City on Saturday.
injury: Unknown.
What Pochettino said: “Also cold after the national team. It’s the same problem he’s had in recent weeks.”
Possible return date: Unknown.
Ree James
James has just started part-time first-team training after a long spell on the sidelines. The 24-year-old defender is undergoing rehabilitation due to a muscle problem that has kept him out of action for a large part of the season.
Injury: Hamstring.
What Pochettino said: “No, they are not available yet. They are close. Today and yesterday they partially trained with the team. They are close, but still not available.”
Possible return date: May 2024
Christopher Nkunku
According to the club’s official website, Nkunku is now back in partial team training. The 26-year-old attacker has been out for most of the season and is currently missing with a hamstring problem.
Injury: Hamstring.
What Pochettino said: “They are assessing him day by day and in the last few days he has had the opportunity to be involved in some parts of the training. We now have to see the reaction of his body and see how he evolves. We hope he can be involved soon.”
Possible return date: Be able to.
Robert Sanchez
Sánchez was ‘absent due to illness’ last week but has now returned to partial team training. He had fitness problems earlier in the season and was not part of the FA Cup semi-final or the defeat to Arsenal.
Injury: Disease.
Possible return date: Aston Villa (A) – Saturday April 27.
Romeo Lavia
Lavia ‘continues his rehabilitation program’. The 20-year-old midfielder has made just one appearance for Chelsea this season after struggling to stay match fit and avoid injury.
Injury: Thigh.
Possible return date: Next season.
Lesley Ugochukwu
The Frenchman has returned to partial team training after a four-month absence. The twenty-year-old midfielder’s last appearance took place on Christmas Eve.
Injury: Unknown.
Possible return date: Next season.
Wesley Fofana
Fofana has not played once this season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament. The 23-year-old defender has recently returned to training at Cobham’s pitches, although it is believed he is still a long way from a return to the first team.
Injury: ACL.
What Pochettino said: “Unfortunately, I find it difficult to see Wes play this season, but you never know.”
Possible return date: Next season.